Oxi Instruments E16 is a new, sleek, multi-scene performance MIDI controller with state morphing and parameter recording – firmware 1.0 out now.
The new OXI E16 MIDI controller has been shipping since the end of January. However, the firmware hasn’t reached version 1.0 so far. That changed today.
Oxi Instruments has released firmware update 1.0 today.
Firmware 1.0
The new firmware 1.0 is a free update that brings new major features and improvements to the multi-scene performance MIDI controller
A highlight of firmware 1.0 is a new MIDI parameter looper that offers eight minutes of shared recording memory across 16 tracks. This gives you up to 60 seconds on a single track.
It comes with three modes: no sync, free sync (automatic length), and fixed sync (count-in and predefined length). Individual tracks inherit the recording mode and settings set before recording. Plus, you can mix them.
Then, it includes a new Lua scripting API (1.0.0) with SysEx communication, allowing you to extensively customize the controller. You can even implement unusual control concepts. Creating custom SysEx editors is also now possible with this update.
Update 1.0 also brings better performance feature integrations. For example, groups and random action data are now saved to the current presets. Also, snapshot morph and group masters can be modulated by random and recorded.
Other improvements in update 1.0 include a new colorful Alt and Home menu, and a customizable Page menu for handling program-switching commands. Plus, there are smaller refinements like copy & paste scenes between slots, new LED ring animations, and more.
The new Oxi Instruments E16 firmware 1.0 is available now as a free update for existing users.
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Update from January 27, 2026
Good news: the OXI Instruments E16 MIDI controller is now available from retailers for $499/449€.
Article from December 3, 2025
In recent years, pure encoder MIDI controllers have become less common. Most also had additional faders or came with pads or keyboards. We’ve already seen the Novation LaunchControl Mk3, which is very solid for the asking price.
The E16, a MIDI controller from Oxi Instruments, the makers of the Oxi One sequencer, was also recently leaked. Just in time before the end of the year, it’s officially here and looks very promising.
Oxi Instruments E16
The E16 is a new, sleek, portable rotary MIDI controller designed for real-time performances. With its 114 x 143 x 36 mm dimensions and just 370 gr, it’s a very compact device that is great for the studio as well as on the go for live performances.
The Oxi Instruments E16 has an aluminum unibody design and features 16 metal endless encoders, each with an LED ring. An OLED screen provides real-time feedback on parameter values and gives you full access to all features.
Yes, it’s a classic MIDI controller. You can map parameters to the encoders and control them. But the E16 is more than just a traditional “more of the same” MIDI controller.
It’s fully customizable and comes with many exciting performance-oriented goodies, making it a very expressive controller.
The heart of the E16 is its 16 flexible scenes. Each features 12 customizable pages with 16 controls, for a total of 192 mappable MIDI CC controls.
You can map on the hardware or use the matching E16 software editor. Plus, each scene also has 16 preset slots, allowing you to save parameter values for instantly jumping back to a specific value.
Mapping Flexibility
According to OXI, dedicated instrument mappings will be available in the editor, or you can create your own if you want different mappings or if they’re not part of the factory content.
Better, each control can map to a different instrument, effect, or performance mode so that you can control multiple pieces of hardware with the same scene.
If you have hardware grooveboxes with multiple tracks, you can also create several pages for one track. This way, you have all the essential parameters under your fingertips without navigating through the menu system. Also neat is that you can rename these pages.
Performance Features
OXI Instruments has also implemented many performance-focused features into the E16 MIDI controller.
One of these is the grouping function, allowing you to link multiple encoders to a master encoder. The behaviour of how this works is also fully customizable per encoder in the hardware.
Then the snapshot function lets you morph effortlessly between two page states, perfect for exploring in-between timbres or creating dynamic transitions in your tracks.
A highlight for me is the knob recording feature, which lets you record and replay knob automations. This transforms the E16 into a powerful modulation generator, as every parameter can be automated. It infuses natural, expressive movement into your sound.
Connectivity & Editor
On the connectivity side, it has dual USB-C ports for power and MIDI data, a 3.5mm TRS MIDI interface with dual MIDI outs and a MIDI in, and Bluetooth MIDI support.
Further, OXI Instruments ships the E16 MIDI controller with an accompaniment app. Once opened, you can create, organize, and prepare your scenes and pages with ease. Plus, you can save backups and share your setups with others.
Alongside MIDI CCs, it also supports NRPN, 14-bit control, and relative/absolute parameter values.
First Impression
This year, we already got the Novation LaunchControl XL mk3, which is a pretty neat encoder-based MIDI controller. The E16, however, takes it to a different level. Yes, it costs twice as much but is more compact and versatile.
The ability to morph parameter states or record knobs is a killer feature. Mapping up to 192 parameters also provides massive flexibility.
If the Oxi Instruments E16 works as advertised, then congratulations. This could be the encoder MIDI controller we’ve been waiting for.
Oxi Instruments E16 is available now for pre-order for 449€ with the option to choose between non-detented or detented encoders in the first batch. It also includes a travel case—the first batch of the E16 ships by the end of December 2025.
More information here: Oxi Instruments
midifighter with a screen. what a ripoff. halfway to a neuzeit drop at €449
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Looks sleek, but €499 is really too much, and I still enjoy using the Faderfox UC4.
449€ 😉
Can you click the encoders?
How many steps per revolution are the encoders? 128, 256, 1024?
Is there any acceleration?
The screens are a very welcome feature
Does Oxi plan to introduce Midi Learn via a future firmware update? (like on the Oxi One)?
Also, will they make the paramater recording become Midi synced? That’s a killer feature on the Neuzeit Drop.
I was super pumped when I saw this the very first time on some Oora video. But the price is just way too much, sorry to say.
Wow. $450. Smh.
I’d rather spend the money on something that can actually make a sound. It’s way over priced. Save your money!
LOL, we came to a point where hardware is shipped with beta firmware and people just accept it?
Nice update. Great product and the price is fine compared to the rest on the market. The only issue imo is the screen size. It should’ve been larger so you can normally name everything. This keeps me from buying another one.
The price is absurd, ABSURD!Even a 100 quid less would have been questionable. This has about 70 to possibly 80 quid worth of BOM at scale.